Law firm investigates P&O Cruises for ‘unethical gambling practices’ after indebted passenger’s death
P&O Cruises is facing scrutiny from Carter Capner Law following the tragic death of Shane Dixon, who accumulated a $9,000 casino debt and fell overboard on May 6 in a suspected suicide. The Australian law firm, led by former national president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance Peter Carter, is probing the cruise line’s potentially deceptive practices and unlawful treatment of passengers.

Investigation and Allegations
The firm has criticized P&O for offering excessive gambling incentives like free drinks and cruises, as well as engaging in the illegal detention of passengers over debts. According to witnesses, gamblers were told self-exclusion was not an option or were interrogated and held onboard by staff after being unable to settle their bills. Preventing passengers and their relatives from disembarking until gambling debts were settled was unlawful, Carter said.

Legal Implications
The investigation aims to explore legal avenues for affected passengers to recover financial losses and seek damages for unlawful confinement. Carter told the media that the conduct of P&O not only breached ‘ethical standards’ but also violated Australian law.